Dozens arrested around Chester in high profile raids

A TOTAL of 32 people have been arrested today as part of a high-profile operation.

About 250 officers were involved in Operation ImpACT − a series of dawn raids targeting organised crime and illegal drugs in and around Chester.

The operation is one of the largest ever undertaken by the force.

The 27 men and five women were arrested on suspicion of drugs offences - they are currently helping police with their enquires.

Warrants were executed at a number of properties in Blacon, Hoole and the Lache. Specialist officers were used to gain entry to the properties and officers, who are experts in search techniques, are now carrying out detailed searches of all the addresses.

Superintendent Paul Williams, crime manager for the Western Area, said: "The strike phase this morning is the culmination of many months of work focusing on a number of individuals suspected of being involved in organised crime/illegal drugs. Over that period intelligence and evidence has been gathered and this has culminated today in these high-profile raids.